Ear muff

ABSTRACT

An ear muff is disclosed having an inner layer having a first elongated oval opening to insert the ear therethrough; an outer layer coupled to the inner layer; a flexible core to support the inner layer disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer and having a second elongated oval opening consistent with the first elongated oval opening of the inner layer to insert the ear therethrough; a pocket defined by an area between the inner layer and the outer layer in which the flexible core is disposed and in which the ear is inserted; and a plurality of hair layers disposed upon the outer layer; wherein the ear muff is self supported on the ear.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/121,608, which is entitled “EAR MUFF”, which was filed on Dec. 11, 2008, and which is incorporated in full by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The technology described herein relates generally to ear protection devices, such as ear muffs. More specifically, the technology relates and a self-supporting ear protection device which is employed to protect the ear from wind, cold, rain, snow and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ear protection devices are known in the prior art. Related patents known in the background art include the following:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,835,609, issued to LeGette et al. on Nov. 10, 1998, discloses an ear covering device having two ear cups on either end which are to be worn over each of the individual's ears. A flexible band attaches to each of the ear cups and extends around the back of the individual's head or neck. The spring force of the flexible band wrapping around the individual's head or neck holds the ear cups in place over each of the individual's ears.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,146, issued to Bavetta et al. on Dec. 31, 2002, discloses an adjustable ear protection device having a head band portion and an ear portion at either end of the head band portion. Instead of a flexible, spring force hold, the head band portion is adjustable, so that the individual can secure the head band on his/her head.

Self-supported, or ear-held, ear protection devices are also known in the prior art. In the prior art, there are several different mechanisms for holding the self-supported earmuffs on the ears of the wearer. U.S. Pat. No. 3,112,493, issued to Greenberg on Dec. 1, 1961, discloses an earmuff which is snappably engageable with the ear of the wearer. U.S. Pat. No. 4,791,684, issued to Schwartz on Dec. 20, 1988, teaches an ear-held earmuff including an inner securement member placed over the helix of the outer ear, for retaining the earmuff on the ear. U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,055, issued to Hwang on Jul. 25, 1989, discloses an earmuff having a spring-based butterfly clip which is used to hold the earmuff on the ear. U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,467, issued to Brinkley on Aug. 23, 1994, discloses an earmuff which hangs on the ear of the user. U.S. Pat. No. 6,055,672, issued to Natvig on May 2, 2000, discloses a protective ear covering having a flexible cup-shaped insert which is used to attach the earmuff to the ear. Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,713,843, issued to Duncan on Dec. 22, 1987, discloses an ear protecting device having a flexible core member formed in the general configuration of an ear and having an oval-shaped opening through which the ear is flexed and bent to fit through. Furthermore, many of the above-mentioned prior art earmuffs are not visually attractive and do not blend in with a person's hair, creating a hesitation of the general public to wear them. Accordingly, more visually attractive ear muffs would overcome the hesitation to wear them if they can be blended into a person's hair but still maintain a secure fit on the ear.

The foregoing patent and other information reflect the state of the art of which the inventor is aware and are tendered with a view toward discharging the inventor's acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information that may be pertinent to the patentability of the technology described herein. It is respectfully stipulated, however, that the foregoing patent and other information do not teach or render obvious, singly or when considered in combination, the inventor's claimed invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described herein provides a self-supporting ear protection device which is employed to protect the ear from wind, cold, rain, snow and the like.

In one exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides an ear muff. The ear muff includes: an inner layer having a first elongated oval opening to insert the ear therethrough; an outer layer coupled to the inner layer; a flexible core to support the inner layer disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer and having a second elongated oval opening consistent with the first elongated oval opening of the inner layer to insert the ear therethrough; a pocket defined by an area between the inner layer and the outer layer in which the flexible core is disposed and in which the ear is inserted; and a plurality of hair layers disposed upon the outer layer. The ear muff is self supported on the ear.

The inner layer can include a synthetic material for insulation against cold temperature and adverse weather elements. The inner layer can include a natural fiber material for insulation against cold temperature and adverse weather elements.

The first elongated oval opening of the inner layer can be further defined by an inner surface and lip surrounding the inner surface of the first elongated oval opening by which the flexible core is secured. The lip can further include an adhesive to secure the flexible core to the inner layer.

The outer layer can include a synthetic material for insulation against cold temperature and adverse weather elements. The outer layer can include a natural fiber material for insulation against cold temperature and adverse weather elements. The outer layer can be attached to the inner layer around a periphery of each layer. The outer layer, flexible core, and inner layer can be layered and can be attached around a periphery of each layer.

The flexible core can be made from a plastic material that is flexible and stretch-resistant. The flexible core can be made from a cardboard material that is flexible and stretch-resistant.

The flexible core can be made minimally larger than the inner layer such that the flexible core thereby provides two stable at-rest positions of the ear muff: a convex position and a concave position. The flexible core can bias the inner layer inwardly such that the pocket between the inner layer and the outer layer is at a minimum to form a convex position. The flexible core can bias the inner layer outwardly such that pocket between the inner layer and the outer layer is at a maximum to form a concave position.

The plurality of hair layers disposed upon the outer layer can include synthetic hair. The plurality of hair layers disposed upon the outer layer can include hair of natural color. The plurality of hair layers disposed upon the outer layer can be configured to be blended in with the natural hair of the wearer of the ear muff.

In another exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a method of manufacturing an ear muff. The method includes securing an inner layer having a first elongated oval opening to insert the ear therethrough to an outer layer; securing a flexible core to support the inner layer, and having a second elongated oval opening consistent with the first elongated oval opening of the inner layer, to insert the ear therethrough between the inner layer and the outer layer; defining a pocket by an area between the inner layer and the outer layer in which the flexible core is disposed and in which the ear is inserted; and attaching a plurality of hair layers to the outer layer. The ear muff is self supported on the ear.

The method can further include stitching two or more of the inner layer, outer layer, and flexible core to one another with stitches. The method can include adhering two or more of the inner layer, outer layer, and flexible core to one another with adhesive.

Advantageously, the ear muff provides a self-supporting ear protection device which is employed to protect the ear from wind, cold, rain, snow and the like. Also advantageously, the ear muff provides the wearer with a visually attractive natural look that blends in with the wearer's hair, combining the hair of the outer layer of the ear muff within the natural hair of the wearer of the ear muff.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the technology in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the technology that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the technology in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The technology described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the technology described herein. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technology described herein.

Further objects and advantages of the technology described herein will be apparent from the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The technology described herein is illustrated with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote like device components and/or method steps, respectively, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an ear muff shown in use on the left ear of a wearer, illustrating, in particular, the blending of the ear muff with the hair of the wearer, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

FIG. 2 is an outer side view of the ear muff depicted in FIG. 1 illustrating, in particular, an outer layer of hair such as synthetic hair, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

FIG. 3 is an inner side view of the ear muff depicted in FIG. 1 illustrating, in particular, an inner layer having an elongated opening for inserting the ear therethrough, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein; and

FIG. 4 is an expanded view of the layers of the ear muff depicted in FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before describing the disclosed embodiments of this technology in detail, it is to be understood that the technology is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown here since the technology described is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described herein provides a self-supporting ear protection device, such as a bandless ear muff 10, which is employed to protect the ear from wind, cold, rain, snow and the like. The ear muff 10 has the characteristic of being hidden, or not easily seen or detected by others, when worn by the wearer. The ear muff 10 seamlessly blends in with the natural hair color of the wearer. The ear muff 10 can be manufactured in various sizes to accommodate varied ear sizes of the wearer.

The ear muff 10 includes an inner layer 18 having a first elongated oval opening 20 b to insert the ear therethrough; an outer layer 14 coupled to the inner layer 18. The ear muff 10 includes a flexible core 16 to support the inner layer 18 disposed between the inner layer 18 and the outer layer 14 and having a second elongated oval opening 20 a consistent with the first elongated oval opening 20 b of the inner layer 18 to insert the ear therethrough. The ear muff 10 includes a pocket 28 defined by an area between the inner layer 18 and the outer layer 14 in which the flexible core 16 is disposed and in which the ear is inserted. The ear muff 10 includes a plurality of hair layers 12 disposed upon the outer layer 14. The ear muff 10 is self supported on the ear.

The inner layer 18 and outer layer 14 are connected around the periphery 26 c, 26 a, respectively, of each, creating a pocket 28 between the two layers 18, 14. The pocket 28 is the area in which the ear of the wearer is placed to provide comfort, warmth, and protection from adverse weather.

The flexible core 16 is positioned on an inner surface 22 b of the inner layer 18, such that the flexible core 16 is disposed within the pocket 28. In various embodiments, the flexible core 16 and the inner layer 18 can both have complementary elongated oval openings 20 a, 20 b, respectively, to allow the ear to be inserted at least partially therethrough. Although the ear may need to be bent slightly, no significant bending or deforming of the ear is necessary to insert the ear through the oval openings 20 a, 20 b and into the ear muff 10.

The inner layer 18 has an elongated oval opening 20 b for inserting the ear therethrough. The inner layer 18 may be made from any material which is comfortable on and around the ear. It may be advantageous to form the inner layer 18 from a synthetic material which is cold or heat insulating. By way of example, fleece is a synthetic material which is insulating. However, other synthetic materials with similar characteristics can be used. It is also contemplated that the inner layer 18 may be formed from any woven or knitted material of synthetic or natural fibers. Furthermore, the use of plush, fur, wool, or the like is also contemplated; the softness of these materials providing more comfort to the user.

The inner layer 18 can further include a lip 24 b surrounding the inner surface 22 b of the elongated oval opening 20 b for securing the flexible core 16 therein, the flexible core also having an inner surface 22 a and lip 24 a. To further hold the flexible core 16, the lip 24 b may be coated with an adhesive, thereby securing the flexible core 16 therein.

In at least one embodiment, the flexible core 16 can be slightly larger than the inner layer 18 which surrounds it, such that the flexible core 16 creates two stable, at-rest, positions: a convex position and a concave position. In the convex position, the flexible core 16 biases the inner layer 18 inwardly, such that the pocket 28 between the inner layer 18 and outer layer 14 is at a minimum. In the concave position, the flexible core 16 biases the inner layer 18 to protrude outwardly, such that the pocket 28 between the inner layer 18 and the outer layer 14 is at a maximum.

The flexible core 16 can be made from a plastic material which is both flexible and stretch-resistant. Alternatively, the flexible core 16 can be made from a suitable cardboard or other synthetic material which is both flexible and stretch resistant.

In at least one embodiment, the flexible core 16 can be disposed in the pocket 28 between the inner and outer layers 18, 14 and further can be confined to the inner surface 22 b of the inner layer 18 by a lip 24 b surrounding the inner surface 22 b of the elongated oval opening 20 b.

The periphery 26 b of the flexible core 16 further can be connected to the periphery 26 c, 26 a, respectively, of the inner and outer layers 18, 14, respectively, such that the periphery 26 c, 26 a, 26 b, respectively, of the inner layer 18, outer layer 14, and flexible core 16 are all held together on the edge to form the pocket 28 therein.

The outer layer 14 is designed to protect the ear from cold, wind, rain, snow and the like. Like the inner layer 18, the outer later 14 can be made from a synthetic material which is cold or heat insulating such as, by way of example, fleece, or any woven or knitted material of synthetic or natural fibers. The use of plush, fur, wool, or the like is also contemplated.

In various embodiments, the outer layer 14 and inner layer 18 can be attached via a stitching, the use of an adhesive, or other means whereby the outer and inner layers 14, 18 are securely attached and such that the seam does not allow moisture, cold or heat to pass into the pocket 28. If the outer and inner layers 14, 18 are attached by a stitching, adhesive or other like means, the flexible core 16 can be included in the stitching, adhering, or the like, such that the inner and outer layers 18, 14 and flexible core 16 are all attached to one another to form the periphery 26 a, 26 b, 26 c, collectively, of the earmuff 10. Furthermore, the outer layer 14 can be a liquid-repellant, or water-resistant, material, such that rain and snow are prevented from penetrating the earmuff 10 and contacting the ear.

The plurality of hair layers 12 can be attached to the outer layer 14 of the ear muff 10 by various means, such as stitching, adhesion, etc. Multiple layers of overlapping hair 12 can be utilized to provide a natural look. Various layer placement configurations and various numbers of layers are contemplated.

In various embodiments, the hair layers 12 can be any type of synthetic hair or the like and may be any color. It is contemplated that the hair layers 12 may be any type of natural hair. It is envisioned that the hair layers 12 may be those colors which are natural hair colors, e.g., black, brown, blonde, and red. The hair layers 12 can also take on different properties to further make the hair appear to be natural and blend in with the wearer's hair color.

Attachment of the ear muff 10 to the ear of the wearer is facilitated by inverting the flexible core 16 so that the outer surface 14 becomes convex and the earmuff readily slipped over the ear of the wearer. The flexible core 16 is then reinverted so that the ear muff 10 lies against the side of the head of the wearer comfortably.

A method of manufacturing an ear muff 10 is contemplated. The method includes securing an inner layer 18 having a first elongated oval opening 20 b to insert the ear therethrough to an outer layer 14; securing a flexible core 16 to support the inner layer 18, and having a second elongated oval opening 20 a consistent with the first elongated oval opening 20 b of the inner layer 18, to insert the ear therethrough between the inner layer 18 and the outer layer 14; defining a pocket 28 by an area between the inner layer 18 and the outer layer 14 in which the flexible core 16 is disposed and in which the ear is inserted; and attaching a plurality of hair layers 12 to the outer layer 14. The ear muff 10 is self supported on the ear.

The method can further include stitching two or more of the inner layer 18, outer layer 14, and flexible core 16 to one another with stitches. The method can include adhering two or more of the inner layer 18, outer layer 14, and flexible core 16 to one another with adhesive.

Although this technology has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the technology described herein and are intended to be covered by the following claims. 

1. An ear muff comprising: an inner layer having a first elongated oval opening to insert the ear therethrough; an outer layer coupled to the inner layer; a flexible core to support the inner layer disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer and having a second elongated oval opening consistent with the first elongated oval opening of the inner layer to insert the ear therethrough; a pocket defined by an area between the inner layer and the outer layer in which the flexible core is disposed and in which the ear is inserted; and a plurality of hair layers disposed upon the outer layer; wherein the ear muff is self supported on the ear.
 2. The ear muff of claim 1, wherein the inner layer is comprised of a synthetic material for insulation against cold temperature and adverse weather elements.
 3. The ear muff of claim 1, wherein the inner layer is comprised of a natural fiber material for insulation against cold temperature and adverse weather elements.
 4. The ear muff of claim 1, wherein the first elongated oval opening of the inner layer is further defined by an inner surface and lip surrounding the inner surface of the first elongated oval opening by which the flexible core is secured.
 5. The ear muff of claim 4, wherein the lip further comprises an adhesive to secure the flexible core to the inner layer.
 6. The ear muff of claim 1, wherein the outer layer is comprised of a synthetic material for insulation against cold temperature and adverse weather elements.
 7. The ear muff of claim 1, wherein the outer layer is comprised of a natural fiber material for insulation against cold temperature and adverse weather elements.
 8. The ear muff of claim 1, wherein the outer layer is attached to the inner layer around a periphery of each layer.
 9. The ear muff of claim 1, wherein the outer layer, flexible core, and inner layer are layered and attached around a periphery of each layer.
 10. The ear muff of claim 1, wherein the flexible core is comprised of a plastic material that is flexible and stretch-resistant.
 11. The ear muff of claim 1, wherein the flexible core is comprised of a cardboard material that is flexible and stretch-resistant.
 12. The ear muff of claim 1, wherein the flexible core is minimally larger than the inner layer such that the flexible core thereby provides two stable at-rest positions of the ear muff: a convex position and a concave position.
 13. The ear muff of claim 12, wherein the flexible core biases the inner layer inwardly such that the pocket between the inner layer and the outer layer is at a minimum to form a convex position.
 14. The ear muff of claim 12, wherein the flexible core biases the inner layer outwardly such that pocket between the inner layer and the outer layer is at a maximum to form a concave position.
 15. The ear muff of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hair layers disposed upon the outer layer comprises synthetic hair.
 16. The ear muff of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hair layers disposed upon the outer layer comprises hair of natural color.
 17. The ear muff of claim 1, wherein the plurality of hair layers disposed upon the outer layer are configured to be blended in with the natural hair of the wearer of the ear muff.
 18. A method of manufacturing an ear muff, the method comprising: securing an inner layer having a first elongated oval opening to insert the ear therethrough to an outer layer; securing a flexible core to support the inner layer, and having a second elongated oval opening consistent with the first elongated oval opening of the inner layer, to insert the ear therethrough between the inner layer and the outer layer; defining a pocket by an area between the inner layer and the outer layer in which the flexible core is disposed and in which the ear is inserted; and attaching a plurality of hair layers to the outer layer; wherein the ear muff is self supported on the ear.
 19. The ear muff of claim 1, further comprising: stitching two or more of the inner layer, outer layer, and flexible core to one another with stitches.
 20. The ear muff of claim 1, adhering two or more of the inner layer, outer layer, and flexible core to one another with adhesive. 